Stellantis is bringing back its iconic V-8 Hemi engine to the Ram 1500 full-size pickup truck lineup this summer, reversing a decision made just last year amid tightening fuel economy standards and the company’s electric vehicle push.
The automaker had discontinued the 5.7-liter Hemi under former CEO Carlos Tavares, replacing it with the more fuel-efficient, twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine. However, slower-than-expected EV adoption and growing customer demand for traditional powertrains prompted a strategic rethink under Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis.
“Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you,” Kuniskis said in a statement. “Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it. We’re not just bringing back a legendary V-8 engine, we’re igniting an assertive product plan and expanding freedom of choice for our customers.”
The decision to reinstate the Hemi is part of a broader 18-month product turnaround plan spearheaded by Kuniskis, featuring 25 new announcements, the company said. It also underscores a broader shift across the industry, as automakers recalibrate their electrification timelines and reassess consumer preferences in light of policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Once a defining feature of Ram trucks, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 generates 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Although it delivers less power than the newer Hurricane engine — which offers up to 540 horsepower in high-output versions — the Hemi remains a fan favorite for its proven reliability and performance legacy.
Kuniskis, who returned to lead Ram in December, said reinstating the Hemi was his top priority. Originally expected to take 18 months, the effort was fast-tracked to just six through a dedicated initiative internally dubbed “Project F15.”
The Hemi will return as a $1,200 option on most Ram 1500 trims, alongside the Hurricane inline-six and a 3.6-liter V-6 standard on entry-level models. Ram has continued to offer Hemi engines in its larger heavy-duty pickups throughout.
Despite not featuring the familiar “HEMI” badge on the truck’s exterior, Ram has introduced a new logo — dubbed the “Symbol of Protest” — featuring a ram’s head emerging from a Hemi engine. The rebranding is aimed at reconnecting with loyal customers who felt alienated by the company’s earlier pivot toward electrification.
“They hate the fact that we took away the freedom of choice,” Kuniskis said during a media briefing. “As Americans — especially truck buyers — we hate being told, ‘This is your only option.’”
While the Hemi’s comeback underscores Ram’s responsiveness to customer demand, Kuniskis reiterated that electrified Ram trucks are still in the pipeline to help the company meet long-term emissions and fuel economy goals. However, he declined to provide a revised timeline following a series of delays.